On 7 October, CERN Science Gateway – a new emblematic centre for science education and outreach targeting all ages – was inaugurated in the presence of 500 invited guests, including the president of the Swiss Confederation, ministers and other high-level authorities from CERN’s member and associate member states, the project’s donors, and other partners. The following day the centre opened to the public, welcoming about 1400 visitors.
Opening the inauguration ceremony in the new 900-seat auditorium, CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti stressed the value of education and outreach: “Sharing CERN’s research and the beauty and utility of science with the public has always been a key objective and activity of CERN, and with Science Gateway we can expand significantly this component of our mission. We want to show the importance of fundamental research and its applications to society, infuse everyone who comes here with curiosity and a passion for science, and inspire young people to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Science Gateway will be a place where scientists and the public can interact daily. For me, personally, it is a dream that has become a reality and I am deeply grateful to all the people who have contributed, starting with our generous donors.”
The overall cost of Science Gateway, about CHF 100 million, was funded exclusively through donations. Contributing CHF 45 million, the Stellantis Foundation is the largest single donor. The Fondation Hans Wilsdorf is also a major donor. The other donors are the LEGO Foundation, Loterie Romande, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Rolex, Carla Fendi Foundation, Fondation Gelbert, Solvay, Fondation Meyrinoise du Casino and the town of Meyrin.
In his address, president of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset said: “Those familiar with Venn diagrams will agree that this invisible circle puts CERN at the intersection between Switzerland, France and Europe, thus symbolising its commitment to shared scientific and political values. CERN truly is an exceptional facility and one that enables Switzerland and Geneva to shine on the world stage.”
Throughout the day, guided by CERN scientists and children of CERN personnel, visitors were able to experience first-hand the range of Science Gateway’s opportunities, from interactive exhibitions to laboratories for educational experiments and immersive spaces (see Education and outreach in particle physics). The new centre, which is free of charge and open six days a week (it is closed on Mondays), is expected to host up to 500,000 visitors a year from across the world. While the full project was launched in 2018, construction of the Science Gateway campus – designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano – took just over two years, with the first stone of the building being laid on 21 June 2021.
Speaking on behalf of CERN’s member and associate-member states, president of the CERN Council Eliezer Rabinovici said: “Today we celebrate the courage and passion to innovate that CERN has always demonstrated and the commitment to share the fruits of its research with people from all countries and of all ages. May the science leaders of tomorrow come from among the curious children who will fill this wonderful place with joy in the coming years.”
